Merit Scholarships

Need-Based Financial Aid

Deadlines

Financial aid deadlines correspond with admission deadlines. Click on the appropriate link to the left (e.g., U.S. Students) for a step-by-step guide on applying for need-based financial aid at Grinnell College.

Admission Round

2018 Spring Transfer

Early Decision I

Early Decision II

Regular Decision

2018 Fall Transfer

Financial Aid Deadline

Nov. 1

Nov. 15

Jan. 1

Jan. 15

April 1

2018-19 Aid Applications

The 2018-19 FAFSA and CSS Profile will use income from two years prior (2016) as the basis for calculations. This will allow students/families to complete the 2018-19 forms as early as October 1, 2017.

Tax data reported should come directly from your 2016 federal tax return. On the FAFSA we ask that, when prompted, you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to download tax information directly from the IRS. However, keep in mind that not all tax filers are eligible to use this tool. The instructions of each form reference the tax return line numbers that you will need.

If your family is experiencing unusual circumstances and the 2016 income does not accurately reflect your current resources, please feel free to provide additional information and documentation directly to the Office of Financial Aid.

All other information requested on the CSS Profile and FAFSA, including marital status and assets, should be reported as of the date the application is submitted.

U.S. Applicants

Grinnell College practices need-blind admission for U.S. applicants, admitting academically qualified students regardless of financial need. Applicants are encouraged to submit the CSS Profile, FAFSA, and parent tax returns by the applicable deadlines to maximize their eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. We meet 100% of the demonstrated institutional need of admitted students.

International Applicants

Grinnell College offers a full range of financial aid opportunities to international students and we are committed to providing affordable education to students from around the world. Select the International Students link to the left for instructions on applying for financial aid. Admission to Grinnell is highly selective, and the competition for financial aid is more competitive as the applicant’s demonstrated financial need increases. Students who demonstrate academic excellence and who maintain active co-curricular involvement are especially attractive to our admissions committee, regardless of financial need.

How to Apply for Institutional Financial Aid

The majority of financial aid awarded by Grinnell is in the form of institutional grant assistance, such as the Grinnell Grant. To apply for institutional financial aid, complete the CSS Profile and additional forms as requested. Follow the instructions under Applying for Aid.